FALL MEANS RISE OF MOISTURE ISSUES IN WINDOWS
If left untreated, that condensation can turn into something more problematic
When fall arrives and temperatures dip, a lot of the questions I get from homeowners are related to condensation and window health. I’ve answered a few of these queries in the past and again on social media, but I wanted to make sure to remind everyone what causes our window issues during the fall season — and how we can address them.
I’VE GOT WET AND WEEPING WINDOWS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Now that the temperature is dropping, homeowners are finding that their windows fog up, or are covered in condensation. In some extreme cases, they’ll even find water pooling in the windowsill, or on the floor. It’s just a little water; no big deal, right? Wrong. If this is a recurring issue, a little water can turn into a big problem. Think about it. What are the ingredients needed to produce mould? Warmth, oxygen, organic materials (such as wooden window frames) and moisture. Once you’ve added that moisture, you’re running the risk of mould and rot. Are your weeping windows the result of bad windows, or other factors? Newer windows are double- or triple-paned and have gas inserted between the panes with an airtight seal, acting as a source of insulation — thus reducing the chance of condensation. But if that seal breaks, you’ll start to see the condensation build up in the window. If you can determine the cause to be a broken seal, unfortunately that probably means you’ll need to replace the window, which isn’t a cheap fix. So make sure you have it installed properly and professionally. The window should be taken down to the rough stud to check for any major rot and be fixed before putting in the new window. I’ve started installing a drainage system in the rough opening of the window. This stops water from pooling in your window pane and helps safely expel moisture away, protecting you from mould. Your new windows will be properly sealed and insulated, but the window cavity needs proper insulation, too. Use a low expansion foam around the frame to eliminate drafts around the window. If you’re certain your windows are in good shape, weeping windows may be due to air leakage. Think of a cold water glass left in a warm room. When that warm air hits the cool water, condensation beads begin to form on the surface of the glass. Air leaks could be caused by a lack of insulation, or missing caulking. This is something you can easily check for yourself. Carefully remove the interior trim and see if you have adequate insulation. Again, here’s where you’ll add your low-expansion foam to shore up your defence against air leakage. Upwards of 30 per cent of a home’s heat loss can come from drafts. Every autumn, you should be doing an exterior check of your windows and replacing any missing or damaged caulking. It’s a simple job that can have immediate results.
MY SKYLIGHT IS LEAKING. WHAT’S THE CAUSE?
Skylights are a welcome addition when it comes to adding more natural light to your home, but if installed incorrectly they can be a real wet blanket. When homeowners see water stains around their skylights, or find drips on their floor, their natural reaction is to think they’ve sprung a leak. Without the right flashing around a skylight, a waterproof membrane and inadequate caulking, the issue may in fact be due to a leak. However, the cause may be due to poor circulation and too much humidity in your home. A skylight is like any window, but because it’s on a different angle than most windows, instead of having the water pool up in the windowsill, it can drip onto your floors or run down your ceiling. This could be because the air in your home is too humid. A dehumidifier could help if you’re only seeing the issue in one room. A heat recovery ventilator helps circulate fresh, treated outdoor air throughout the home (and this is particularly important if your building envelope is airtight). The solution could also be as simple as clearing out the space by your vents. If you’re blocking too many registers in your home, you’re cutting off airflow. Take a look around and see if you can rearrange the room. While I get the appeal of traditional skylights, I prefer installing tubular skylights. They can be installed in any room with roof access and don’t require you to make big structural changes. The tubes fit between the roof trusses and rafters. They capture daylight from the roof, and siphon it through a reflective tube into the room below.